The 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service

Two Atlanta Scouts were on hand in Washington DC today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. For Nicholas, a First Class Scout with Troop 629 at Mt. Pisgah, and John Patrick, a Bear Cub Scout at Fellowship Christian School Pack 356, traveling to see NPS sites is nothing new.

They have been going on family road trips since they were born and have now earned 200 Junior Ranger badges at the various NPS locations they have visited.

“We love visiting National Parks and historic sites because we love to explore America’s natural beauty as a family and these places teach us about the history of our country! Even our parents learn new things!” exclaimed Nicholas.

“It was special to be here for the 100th anniversary today! It really was a high point in our 5-year journey visiting NPS sites. We got to celebrate today in our nation’s capital with so many others who share our love of the NPS!” said Barton who serves as both Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 629 and Den Leader at Pack 356.

According to JP, “Visiting National Parks is really fun and I think everybody should go!”

For this special anniversary, the boys were presented centennial badges by NPS Deputy Director Mike Reynolds and the whole family helped create the Living NPS Emblem on the National Mall, a Guinness World Record. They visited the nearby Ford’s Theatre, an NPS Historic Site, and earned their next Junior Ranger badge.

Deputy Director Mike Reynolds presenting the boys’ badges

They plan to visit an additional 6 NPS sites this weekend to continue working towards their goal of earning badges from all 413 locations!

Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service

Andrea Lauer Rice is a parent with Pack 356 and Troop 629 in John’s Creek. Her sons, Nicholas and John Patrick are involved in Scouting and the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program.